SERMON 02 12 2022

Rev. Chad Peterson

Do you remember seeking out a space at a lunchroom table in Middle School? It is a microcosm of the human community throughout history. Groups form quickly based on commonalities: gender, race, interests, social caste, and more. Too often it becomes an either/or situation: EITHER you’re a member of the group OR you’re viewed as a threat to the group. Either you’re in or you’re out. Either you are in sync with the routine or you’re dancing to your own tune. The beatitudes reveal God’s view of community: the ones who are on the outside of human community are the center of God’s community. God’s community is expanding to include more & more beloved children vs human community that is turned inward to exclude those who are different. Today, more than ever, our divisive world needs to hear about this different shape of community that makes space at the table for everyone, even if they are dancing to a different tune!

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